ELECTRIC GENERATORS. 



115 



In which case the driving wheel is not used ; the belt 

 passing directly from the small pulley connected with 

 the plates, to a pulley attached to the engine or motor. 



MODE OF ACTION OF THE TOPLER. To compre- 

 hend the action of any electric generator, the following 

 essential principles in their construction should be kept 

 distinctly in view. 



To generate electricity, is to create a difference of 

 electric potential ; the efficiency of all generators, 



Fig. 40 Atkinson's Four-Plate Topler Machine Rear View. 



whether batteries, dynamos, or glass plate machines, 

 depending on the difference of potential which each is 

 able to create and maintain within the apparatus itself. 

 And the work to be done by such an apparatus is the 

 restoration of equilibrium, through an exterior circuit ; 

 and may consist in producing heat or light, chemical, 

 mechanical, or physiological action. 



Let us consider how these principles apply to this 

 machine. 



